6 Businesses Owned by Native Women
By Akapa Supay
May 27, 2024
Editors Note: Very often people have the idea that being Native American is only attributed to the 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States. However, there are tribes that are Non federally recognized in the United States, let alone many Native Americans from Central America and South America are also America. The education system in America fails to actually teach this aspect of history and identity. Regardless if they are called First Nations or Native American (North to South America), they are in fact Native or Indigenous to this continent. A word nor boarder separates us like many like to think. If you are in New York City or Washington you can visit the Smithsonian Of American Indian where you will see exhibitions showing Tribes from North to South America.
Research has shown that Women and BIPOC Entrepreneurs Lack Access to Growth Funding. Studies show that 1,800 U.S. businesses are started by women every day; 60% of which are created by Black, Indigenous and other people of color (BIPOC). Studies also show that 25% of women-owned companies sought outside funding, and few received it. Studies also show Native entrepreneurs generate less revenue due to systemic racism, sexism, and economic disadvantages associated with remoteness which can be viewed here.
As a Native Entrepreneur myself, I have seen many blogs and brands shout out “Native” entrepreneurs that were not authentically Native. Many of the brands and entrepreneurs that have gotten shouted out on big platforms were typically descendants or pretendians vs actual Native people with ties to their communities. I don’t really blame these brands because they don’t know better. They do not understand how to weed these people out like we do, as Native people. Indian country is very small and our communities are so knit tight we either know someone or know someone who knows them. They also lack the nuance to understand that pretendians and descendians (descendants) , love to falsely claim being Native as a way to target demographic. They all get caught eventually, because our communities are so small. These people actually attempt to steal recourses from Native people by trying to obtain grants or even big opportunities that are already difficult for Native people to obtain. With that being said I will introduce to you 10 businesses owned by Native Women.
Junny Girl: is a First Nations Mi’kmaq owned streetwear clothing line originally from New Brunswick, Canada, now currently located in New York City. The owner Raven Algwimu is an activist and traditional Mi’kmaq Quill work artist who makes beautiful Quill Baskets. She traditionally harvests all her materials as well as traditionally dying her quills as she channels the heart and talent of her ancestors. She transferred her culture, identity, and activism in her clothing line by the slogans and designs that she creates from political news and Mi’kmaq petroglyphs.
Instagram: Junnygirldotcom
Website: Junnygirl.com
Kolibri Embers: Is a Higuayagua Taino (from Boriken) owned studio. Kalichi (the owner) is an Artist and Art Healer based in Florida. She specializes in wood burnings and is known to create Taino imagery on natural materials, such as live edge panels, wooden bracelets, plant displays and more. As an Art Healer, she provides creative wellness sessions for the community, those who are grieving, or experiencing illness. Stay tuned for her website for available sessions.
Instagram: Kolibriembers
Website: Kolibriembers.com
Kuuyas Aljuuya: Is a Haida beadwork art studio based in British Columbia, Canada, that makes custom beaded jewelry.
Instagram: Kuuyasaljuuya
Brooklyn Warmi : A Quechua owned business based in Brooklyn, New York that was inspired by lack of representation for the Andean community in the diaspora. Wanting to create inclusive modern jewelry for those of Andean descent, Brooklyn Warmi has designed, as well as carefully curated and handmade each piece, of jewelry to create an aesthetic lots of us have looked for.
Instagram: Brooklynwarmi
Website: Brooklynwarmi.com
Immaculate Cleanse: Is a Mexican Owned cleaning services based in Moncton New Brunswick, Canada. They have over 20 years of experience originally in the United States, but they are now located in Canada.
Facebook: Immaculate Cleanse
Teméeku Midwifery: Is a Payómkawish owned business that provides Midwifery services based in California. She is committed to bringing midwifery care to Indigenous communities and promoting reproductive rights as an act of radical sovereignty. She incorporates ancestral teachings to her midwifery practice through the use of herbs, storytelling, and more.
Instagram: Tristen_temeekumidwifery
Website: Temeekumidwifery.com
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